It was a pink weekend across the island of Ireland and in more ways that the sunburnt limbs that will be back to work today.
The VHI Women’s mini-marathon brought nearly 40,000 onto the streets of the capital for what is the largest women only event of it’s kind the world.
There was also a strong pink feel to Belfast with the second annual Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia continuing the legacy of hosting the Giro in Northern Ireland in 2014.
Titanic Belfast & Titanic Exhibition Centre venues were the main hub over the weekend which saw 4,000 cyclists and their friends and families descend on Belfast and take to the roads of Northern Ireland.
Riders traveled from countries around the world including Australia, USA, Canada, Italy, Sweden, France, Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, Spain, England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
“This was the second year that I participated in the Gran Fondo and it was fantastic to see the event grow from last year,” said Junior Minister Alastair Ross.
“It is never easy to deliver an event of this size, but the efforts of event organisers, police and volunteers who managed close to 4000 riders on the day deserves a special mention.”
“The Giro d’Italia Big Start was one of the most successful events we have ever hosted in Northern Ireland, and the Fondo is the perfect legacy event that allows cyclists of all abilities to get the experience of challenging routes on closed roads.”
“The appetite for cycling in Northern Ireland is huge,” added Race organiser Darach McQuaid of Shadetree Sports.
“We look forward to announcing details of the 2017 event soon.”
